Baseboard heater believed to be cause of Elida house fire

Officials say the cause of the fire was attributed to a baseboard heater in a bedroom above the garage.

The garage suffered severe fire damage while the rest of the house received smoke and heat damage.

Elida, OH -

A family pet could be credited with saving an Elida family early Monday morning.

According to the American Township Fire Department, the family dog alerted everyone inside the house of an ongoing fire, allowing one adult and three children to escape safely. Officials say the cause of the fire was attributed to a baseboard heater in a bedroom above the garage. The garage suffered severe fire damage while the rest of the house received smoke and heat damage. The cost of damages are estimated around $175,000. Assisting with the fire was the Shawnee Township Fire Department along with the American Red Cross to help the family.

In the wake of the tragedy in Florida, a lot of questions are being asked - one of those being whether or not teachers should be trained to use and keep concealed firearms in their classroom to protect their students in the case of an active shooter.